Rains, cooler temps ease stress on Kan. crops

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A new government report shows recent rain and cooler temperatures are relieving the stress on Kansas farm crops.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that producers in many areas of central Kansas saw beneficial amounts of rain in the past week.

The agency said central Kansas had the biggest improvement in topsoil moisture, although eastern and western sections also showed some improvement. But topsoil moisture supplies are still short to very short across 56 percent of Kansas.

The weekly snapshot rated corn condition as 28 percent poor to very poor with 39 percent in fair, 29 percent in good and 4 percent in excellent condition.

The agency also said about 53 percent of the state’s range and pastures were still in poor to very poor shape.